What Are Colorado’s Laws on Marijuana Possession?
September 27, 2024
Caught High at a Colorado Park? What Can and Can’t Happen
CO Attorney General Looks Out for Digital Fraudsters
Posted by: Jacob E. Martinez
Category: Grand Theft Auto | Theft Crimes
In the United States, control of the property you own is seen as a fundamental right. Colorado adheres to that principle, which is why the state takes theft very seriously.
It’s been reported recently that, in the first quarter of 2021, vehicle theft in Denver increased by 114 percent compared to the same time period in the previous year. This has resulted in police keeping a sharper eye out for auto theft than ever before – since the economic impact of this theft totaled nearly $60 million in just the first three months of the year.
Here’s what you need to know about auto theft laws in Colorado.
When someone exercises control over or knowingly obtains another person’s vehicle without their consent, it’s considered motor vehicle theft. If they use deception or threats to get consent from the owner of the vehicle, that also falls under motor vehicle theft.
Motor vehicle theft applies to many different types of vehicles, too, such as:
Simply obtaining or taking control over another’s automobile counts as second-degree motor vehicle theft. However, it can be elevated to first-degree motor vehicle theft if there are aggravating factors in the case.
These factors include:
The two different levels of motor vehicle theft in the state have contrasting penalties. They are:
If the vehicle is worth more than $20,000, then it’s a Class 5 felony. It can be punished by as many as three years in prison and fines of as much as $100,000.
If the vehicle is valued at more than $1,000 but less than $20,000, it’s a Class 6 felony. You can receive as many as 18 months in prison and fines of $100,000.
For vehicles valued under $1,000, it’s a misdemeanor. The punishment could be a maximum of 18 months in prison and fines of $5,000.
If a vehicle is valued at over $100,000, this level of motor vehicle theft is a Class 3 felony. This level can also be charged if the defendant has been previously convicted of motor vehicle theft twice. A Class 3 felony is punishable by as much as 12 years in prison and fines as high as $750,000.
For vehicles valued between $20,000 and $100,000, you reach a Class 4 felony, punishable by up to six years in prison and $500,000 in fines.
A Class 5 felony is reserved for vehicles valued at less than $20,000. It can be punished by up to three years behind bars and fines of $100,000.
Vehicle theft in Colorado is becoming a problem, and that means increased police vigilance going forward. Always understand what consequences your actions may have, so that you don’t get wrapped up in a serious legal situation of motor vehicle theft.
About the Author:
Denver-based criminal defense and DUI attorney Jacob E. Martinez is a knowledgeable and experienced litigator with a record of success providing innovative solutions to clients facing criminal charges of any severity. Mr. Martinez has been recognized by countless legal organizations for his exemplary defense work, including Avvo, Best DWI Attorneys, Expertise, Lawyers of Distinction, The National Trial Lawyers, and others. He was also named one of the 10 Best in Client Satisfaction in Colorado by the American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys for 2020, and is Lead Counsel rated.
Jury Trial - Not Guilty
Jury Trial - Not Guilty
Arapahoe 1st Degree Assault/Vehicular Assault
Jury Trial - Not Guilty
Denver Domestic Violence Assault Case
Jury Trial - Not Guilty
Denver D.V. Assault
Jury Trial - Not Guilty
Denver Careless Driving Resulting in Death
Jury Trial - Not Guilty
Jefferson County Felony Menacing
Jury Trial - Not Guilty
Adams County DUI
Jury Trial - Not Guilty
Jefferson County DUI
Jury Trial - Not Guilty
Jefferson County DUI
Jury Trial - Not Guilty
Jefferson Vehicular Assault/DUI
Jury Trial - Not Guilty
Jefferson County DUI
Jury Trial - Not Guilty
Boulder County DUI case
Jury Trial - Not Guilty
Arapahoe County DUI case
Jury Trial - Not Guilty
Adams County DUI case
Jury Trial - Not Guilty
Douglas County DUI case
Jury Trial - Not Guilty
Gilpin County DUI case
Dismissed
Broomfield County Probation Revocation case
Dismissal
Arapahoe County DUI case
Deferred Judgment
Arapahoe County DUI case
Deferred Judgment
Douglas County DUI case
Deferred Judgment
Larimer County DUI case
Deferred Judgment
Arapahoe County DUI Case
Deferred Judgment
Denver Felony Burglary Case
Deferred Judgment
Arapahoe County DUI case
Dismissed
Arapahoe County Protection Order Case
Dismissed
Golden Destruction of Property case
Dismissed
Jefferson County Protection Order case
Dismissed
Jefferson County Domestic Violence case
Dismissed and Sealed
Jefferson County DUI case
Dismissed
Denver Major Traffic Offense case
Dismissed and Sealed
Broomfield County Domestic Violence case
Dismissed
Summit County DUI Revocation
Dismissed
Denver DUI Revocation
Dismissed
Denver DUI Revocation
Dismissed
Denver DUI +.2 Involving Accident and Injury case
Dismissed
Denver DUI/Habitual Traffic Offender case
DISMISSAL
Denver District Aggravated Theft
Dismissed
Greenwood Village Assault case
Dismissal
Elbert County DUI
Dismissed
Arapahoe County Domestic Violence case
Dismissal
Jefferson County DUI
Dismissal
Denver Municipal Assault
Dismissed
Boulder County Domestic Violence Assault case
Dismissed
Wheat Ridge Assault case
Dismissed
Jefferson County DUI case, with 2+ Prior Convictions
Dismissed
Arapahoe County Domestic Violence case
Dismissed
Broomfield County Domestic Violence case
Dismissed with No Charges Filed
Jefferson County Felony Theft case
Dismissed
Arapahoe County Felony Theft case
Dismissed
Boulder County Felony Theft case